Definition for: abacus

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English

Etymology

Latin abacus , abax , from Greek ἄβαξ ('a`bax)

Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˈæbəkəs/

Noun

abacus ( plural: abacuses or abaci ( considered pedantic ))

1. ( obsolete ) A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc.
2. A calculating table or frame; an instrument for performing arithmetical calculations by balls sliding on wires, or counters in grooves, the lowest line representing units, the second line, tens, etc.

   I've heard merchants still use an abacus for adding things up in China.

3. ( architecture ) The uppermost member or division of the capital of a column, immediately under the architrave.
4. ( archaic ) A tablet, panel, or compartment in ornamented or mosaic work.
5. A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated compartments, for holding cups, bottles, or the like; a kind of cupboard, buffet, or sideboard.

Translations

obsolete: tray of sand for calculating

calculating frame

uppermost member of the capital of a column

tablet/panel/compartment in ornamented mosaic work

board for holding cups, etc

• Galician : ábaco
• Indonesian : abakus
• Slovak : počítadlo n . (2)
• Volapük : bakud

Derived terms

• abacus harmonicus

Related terms

• abacist

References

• Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (G & C. Merriam Co., 1913, edited by Noah Porter), ARTFL version at [1]

Shorthand

Gregg

• (Version: Centennial,Series 90,DJS,Simplified,Anniversary,Pre-Anniversary): a - b - a - k - u - comma s

Latin

Etymology

Ancient Greek αβαξ

Noun

abacus ( genitive abucī ); m , second declension

1. a square board; hence, a sideboard, counting-board, gaming-board, ceiling-panel.

Other Translations for "abacus"

Braille 6 Dot
Braille 8 Dot
Sign Language Spelling
Morse Code		.- -... .- -.-. ..- ...
Binary		1100001 1100010 1100001 1100011 1110101 1110011
Hex		616261637573
Pig Latin		abacusway

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